The year has come and gone, bringing with it many exciting opportunities for everyone with all the new games that were released in 2015. Every console has gotten some great new games for every gamer to enjoy. Gamers even got to see some great older games remastered for the newer consoles, such as Majoras Mask 3D. And while we look to the New Year and all the other games that have been announced for 2016, we can still appreciate the additions from this year.

This list compiled is just scratching the surface of some of the games that were released this year. But please enjoy our own list of our favourite games of 2015, in no particular order, by some of the volunteers from Sandbox Gaming.

1) Ashley Quirke (Committee) – Splatoon

Splatoon, the ink-credible online multiplayer FPS release for WiiU gets my pick for favorite game of 2015! I like that Nintendo keeps releasing more and more content for this game. There’s a huge arsenal or weapons to choose from now, as well as new maps, and new gear to ensure your squid kid stays fresh! The different match types available ensure that I never get bored with this game. There always seems to be something new to try out, making it always fun every time I turn it on.

2) Kyle Heath (Volunteer) – The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth

First off, some of you might think “But Afterbirth is just DLC for Rebirth”, and to you I say nay. Afterbirth introduced many new synergies and items that drastically changed the play of The Binding of Isaac. Adding two whole new playable characters and reworking another makes the game take a whole new feel. Those new features, coupled with new bosses, level layouts, and a brand new play mode makes The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth one of my favorite games of 2015.

3) John Michael Bennett (President) – Super Mario Maker

Nintendo celebrated the 30th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. with the release of Super Mario Maker. The game allows you to make levels using a plethora of tools and designs from four different Mario games. Since its release in September, various free DLC has been added–enhancing an already great game. As for the playing aspect, with so many players uploading levels from around the world, the game play is non-stop. A great way for fans of the one styles to recapture the magic for new levels designs. As a Mario fan since the age of 3, this game is a dream come true.

4) Rachel Frederick (Committee) – Life is Strange

A game that seemed to show up out of nowhere but quickly dominated in the world of Indie gaming. Life is Strange is a choice based game where a young girl suddenly gains power to rewind time after moving back to her home town for school. Meeting up with her best friend from childhood she quickly gets swept up in a mystery of trying to find out what happened to a missing girl. This game quickly sucks a player in, with each chapter getting more exciting and leaving you with a bigger cliff-hanger. With a great soundtrack and beautiful artwork to help this game along, this is definitely my favourite game of 2015.

5) Christian Goodridge (Volunteer) – Xenoblade Chronicles X

Monlith Soft’s follow up to the Wii’s cult classic Xenoblade Chronicles set forth to literally break down the boundaries of the JRPG genre. As a result, Xenoblade Chronicles X is an immersive open world that simply begs you to explore every corner. Top it all off with an unassumingly deep combat system, characters that are just brimming with personality, and a story that constantly kept me on the edge of my seat. Nintendo and Monolith have created another masterpiece, making it my choice for 2015.

6) James Reid (Committee) – Dragon Ball Xenoverse

As such a long reigning series, we have seen many Dragon Ball games over the years but none has managed to capture the feel of the show more than the latest title, Dragon Ball Xenoverse. Instead of just rehashing the show’s storyline, it adds a twist with new characters, lots of side quests, and your own custom character to play as. The combat feels incredibly natural and well-done, you can play as most major characters from the series, and can learn a huge variety of skills. There’s so much to do in this game. You will definitely be able to get your money’s worth out of it, double if you’re already a fan of the series!

7) Jill Thistle (Board) – Yoshi’s Wooly World

Yoshi’s Wooly World is a game Nintendo fans have been waiting for since the 90s. Fans of Yoshi’s Island for the SNES have been waiting years to get a proper sequel to the game and Nintendo finally delivered. Wooly World gives us mechanics that fans know and love, while still giving us fresh new levels with a fun art style. Don’t let that cute art trick you, some levels are pretty tough!

8) Dylan Hardy (Volunteer) – Majora’s Mask 3D

When Majora’s Mask 3D came out I was hit by a blast of nostalgia. Being one of my favorite Zelda titles of all time, I was ecstatic that it was finally coming out. When I turned it on it was exactly how I wanted a remake to be, the same fantastic gameplay with improved graphics and mechanics. The game does great things like improving the Bomber’s Book as well as changing the way every boss battle work, making the experience fresh and enjoyable. Well, except for the Twinmold fight – but let’s not talk about that. All and all, my favorite Zelda remake yet. I didn’t stop playing the game when I got it, easily making it one of my favorite titles of 2015.

9) Nathaniel Leon (Volunteer) – Yo-Kai Watch

If you were to mix together Pokémon, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Spirited Away then put it on the 3DS you would get something pretty close to Yo-Kai Watch. Yo-Kai Watch has you running around the fictional town of “Sprindale”, befriending ghosts and monsters called (who would have guessed it) Yo-Kai. Yo-Kai have their basis in the real world Japanese folk creatures of Shinto with the same name. As such, the ghostly adventures you go on with your Yo-Kai pals tend to feel more genuine and engaging than one might be used to in a creature collecting kid’s game; as each Yo-Kai has a distinct personality and ability. This combined with the expansive world map and interesting characters, give the sense of exploring an elaborate and imaginative world. So if you’re into Pokémon, folklore, urban legends, lovable characters and fantastic worlds, Yo-Kai Watch might just be the game for you.

10) Trish Thompson (Board) – Fallout 4

My favourite game of the year is Fallout 4, hands down. This was one of the most hyped up games of the year and Bethesda didn’t let us down. With a compelling main quest line and many bases to call home in a free-to-roam, post-apocalyptic world, you can spend hours playing and barely touch the surface. Fallout 4 also has incredible graphics and an immersive soundtrack. This should definitely be on your must have list for games from 2015.